Year of the Cabbage

In true testament to the recessionary times, 2026 is being dubbed the "year of the cabbage." Protein has dominated nutrition conversations in the last several years, which is now refocusing on fiber. Given that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under the age of 50, the timing couldn't be more critical. 

The prebiotics in fiber help feed good gut bacteria and increase the diversity of bacteria in the gut. Fiber also helps promote fullness, aids in digestion, supports healthy stools, and improves your cardiovascular health. Cabbage is a versatile and inexpensive source of fiber. You can also turn cabbage into a probiotic and prebiotic rich food by fermenting it in kimchi or sauerkraut. 

Cabbage is a great cool weather crop to start planting in the mid winter. You can start cabbage seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last spring frost and then transplant them outdoors 4 weeks before the last frost. You can place the cabbage in full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering. Cover the cabbage with mulch in case of hard frost or excess rain after transplanting. Plant the cabbage near aromatic herbs. 

I grow, pack, and carry three heirloom cabbage seed varieties here on my website including brunswick cabbage, mammoth red rock cabbage, and red acre cabbage. The heirloom seeds breed true to type and are pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide free.